As we celebrate Nelson Mandela Day today and recognize his belief in the power of education and his call to the next generation to take on the burden of leadership, CBIE is pleased to announce that thirty-one young African professionals will be commencing their studies at Canadian universities in September 2016. As recipients of an African Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship, they will pursue a Master’s degree in public administration, public policy or public finance. This year’s cohort will join four students who began their studies in September 2015, as part of a pilot selection process.

As a response to Mandela’s message on his 91st birthday in 2009, “It is in your hands, to make a better world for all who live in it”, the ALT scholarship recipients are selected based on their demonstrated leadership capacity and their potential contribution to public administration and public policy upon their return home.

The program is funded by the Canadian government through Global Affairs Canada and by the MasterCard Foundation. CBIE manages the program in partnership with the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) and in collaboration with the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) and the Canadian Association of Programs in Public Administration (CAPPA).

In addition to their academic studies, ALT scholars are partnered with a mentor from IPAC’s network of public sector professionals, who support the ALT scholars during their stay in Canada by sharing their experience and expertise, supporting the creation of a professional development plan and identifying learning opportunities.

This year’s cohort will be studying at 11 universities across Canada, from among the 28 universities offering eligible programs for the ALT scholarship. Students are from 23 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. For information about the program click here.

The selection process for the 2017 cohort will begin on September 8. Details will be up-dated on the website in early September.

The program is now in its second year, click here for an overview of the program and 2015-2016 enrolments.